Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: Needle stick and sharps injuries (NSIs) have been recognized as one of the occupational hazards among health care workers. Many infections including blood-borne viruses such as Human Immunodeficieny Virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by exposure to infected blood or other body fluid via accidental inoculation injury. The aim of current study was to determine prevalence of NSSIs and related factors in health care workers of Besat hospital of Sanandaj, 2014.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, with sample size of 249 persons, was carried out during June and August in 2014 in Besat hospital of Sanandaj. Participants including nurses auxiliary nurse, midwives and service staff. Descriptive methods and logistic regression were used for summarie of data and assessing the associations between variables and occupational exposure, respectively.

Results: The prevalence of occupational exposure in this hospital personnel was 79.92 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that men more than women and those with experience (years of services) of 10 to 15 years were significantly more likely to needlestick. 61.36% of the participants also had correct knowledge about occupational exposures and how to deal with it.

Conclusion: The findings showed that the occurrence of NSIs in this hospital was high. We concluded that prevention of NSI as an integral part of prevention programs in the work places is essential , and training of health care workers regarding safety practices indispensably needs to be an ongoing activity.

Key words: Occupational exposure, Needle stick/Sharp injuries, Knowledge, Health workers

Funding: This research was funded by Sanandaj University of Medical Sciences.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Sanandaj University of Medical Sciences approved the study.

How to cite this article: Miraki P, Bidarpoor F, Rostami Sh, Khairollahi Sh, Rahmani Kh. Occupational Exposures and Factors Affecting Its Prevalence in Besat Hospital of Sanandaj in 2014. J RafsanjanUniv Med Sci 2015 14(7): 535-48. [Farsi]